Firefighters sat in a place of honor on Sept. 11 during Fort Riley’s 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony. One firefighter among those in attendance served in the Fire Department City of New York on Squad 41 in South Bronx on 9/11.

“It was the longest day of my life, and it was the shortest day of my life. It was all a blur, yet I can remember everything,” said Scott Schrimpe, retired FDNY firefighter.

Schrimpe said he had a tough time after Sept. 11, 2001. He struggled with survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder. Now Schrimpe helps give tours for the memorial at ground zero.

“Life is precious; appreciate every day,” Schrimpe said.

Schrimpe attended the Fort Riley ceremony while making a series of stops to escort pieces of the World Trade Center to their final resting places in Kansas City and Utah.

Fort Riley’s annual ceremony honored lives lost on 9/11 and highlighted the men and women from Fort Riley who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terrorism.